Washington, DC [US], June 20: U.S. President Donald Trump will decide within the next two weeks whether the United States will formally join Israel in its ongoing military confrontation with Iran, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed on Thursday.
Speaking at a briefing, Leavitt read a statement from President Trump, emphasizing the possibility of diplomatic engagement with Tehran despite the escalating violence.
“Based on the fact that there’s a substantial chance of negotiations that may or may not take place with Iran in the near future, I will make my decision whether or not to go [to war] within the next two weeks,” the statement read.
U.S. Stance on Iran’s Nuclear Program
Leavitt reaffirmed the Trump administration’s hardline stance on Iran’s nuclear ambitions.
“No enrichment of uranium and… Iran is absolutely not able to achieve a nuclear weapon. The President has been very clear about that,” she said when asked about the terms of any potential diplomatic resolution.
Conflict Escalation: ‘Operation Rising Lion’
The current crisis intensified after Israel launched “Operation Rising Lion” on June 13, targeting Iranian nuclear and military installations. Iran responded with retaliatory strikes, triggering a wave of violent exchanges across the region.
On Thursday, Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz escalated rhetoric further by calling for action against Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei, citing Iran’s alleged missile strike on Soroka Hospital in southern Israel.
“Khamenei openly declares that he wants Israel destroyed. He considers the destruction of Israel to be a goal; such a man can no longer be allowed to exist,” Katz stated.
U.S. Position: Military or Diplomatic?
Despite the mounting tensions, Trump has reiterated his preference for a diplomatic solution, though he acknowledged that military action remains a possibility.
“I’m not looking to fight. But if it’s a choice between fighting and having a nuclear weapon, you have to do what you have to do,” he said on Wednesday.
The White House confirmed that the final decision regarding U.S. involvement in the conflict will be made in the coming two weeks, based on developments in the region and the outcome of any potential negotiations with Iran.